Answer:

Global university rankings like QS World University Rankings  and Times Higher Education focus on research output, international collaborations, and faculty-student ratios. India’s NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) aligns with these standards, shaping higher education policy and institutional practices. However, the emphasis on rankings has raised concerns about their influence on the quality and accessibility of education in India.

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How Global Emphasis on Rankings Has Influenced India’s Higher Education Policy and Institutional Practices

• Focus on Research Output: The global ranking systems’ emphasis on research has pushed Indian universities to increase their research productivity.
  For instance: The National Research Foundation (NRF) was established to promote research and innovation in Indian universities.
• Adoption of International Best Practices: Indian universities are increasingly adopting global best practices, such as curriculum internationalisation and faculty development programs, to enhance their rankings.
  For instance: The University of Delhi revamped its academic structure by introducing the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) to align with global standards.
• Increased Pressure for Accreditation: With rankings becoming a global benchmark, Indian universities are under pressure to secure international accreditations from bodies like AACSB and ABET, improving their global standing.
  For example: The Indian School of Business (ISB) is accredited by AACSB, improving its position in global rankings.
• Shift Toward Funding Models: Ranking performance is influencing how universities secure government and private funding.
  For instance: Universities showing improved ranking positions get better funding allocations through Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA).
• Faculty Recruitment and Retention Policies: Higher emphasis is placed on faculty research credentials during recruitment to align with ranking parameters, impacting institutional hiring policies.
  For instance: IIT Bombay and other top-tier institutions increasingly prioritise candidates with strong research publications in leading journals.

Positive Impact of University Rankings on Quality and Accessibility

• Enhancement of Global Recognition: Rankings have put Indian universities on the global map, leading to increased international collaborations and student exchanges, which improves the overall educational experience.
  For example: IIT Bombay ranks 118th in the 2025 rankings in QS Rankings, attracting international students and partnerships.
• Improvement in Research Standards: The pressure to perform well in rankings has led to significant improvements in research quality, with more emphasis on peer-reviewed publications.
  For example: IISc Bangalore has emerged as a leader in research output, featuring prominently in global rankings.
• Access to International Funding: Higher-ranked institutions gain access to international grants and collaborations, enhancing their research capacity and infrastructure.
• Enhanced Student Mobility: Students from highly ranked Indian universities have better opportunities to study abroad or secure global placements.
  For example: Graduates from IIT Delhi find it easier to secure admissions to top-tier global universities for advanced studies.
• Government Focus on Quality: The push for rankings has led the Indian government to implement policies to improve teaching and research quality, such as the Institutions of Eminence (IoE) initiative.
  For example: IIT Madras was granted the status of an Institution of Eminence, enhancing its autonomy and global reach.

Challenges of the Emphasis on University Rankings

• Overemphasis on Research Over Teaching: The emphasis on research output in university rankings has shifted focus away from teaching quality, pressuring faculty to prioritise publishing over student mentoring and teaching.
  For example: Many faculties in central universities report workload imbalances, where teaching responsibilities are sidelined in favour of research publication.
• Inequitable Resource Allocation: Ranking-focused policies often benefit already well-established institutions, leaving smaller universities with fewer resources for improvement.
  For example: IITs and IIMs receive disproportionate funding compared to regional universities, exacerbating the divide in educational quality.
• Neglect of Social Science and Humanities: Ranking systems prioritise STEM disciplines, which leads to underfunding of social sciences and humanities, affecting their growth and importance in universities.
  For instance: Subjects like sociology and political science receive less attention compared to engineering and medical sciences at top institutions.
• Widening Urban-Rural Divide: Rural or regional universities face challenges competing with urban institutions, where rankings-based resource allocation further limits their capacity to improve.
• Ethical Concerns Over Data Manipulation: The increasing pressure to climb in rankings can lead to unethical practices, such as data manipulation in research output or student placements.

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Way Forward

• Focus on Inclusive Criteria: The ranking frameworks should broaden their criteria to evaluate teaching quality, community engagement, and student satisfaction.
  For example: Ranking systems like the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings consider social impact alongside academic metrics.
• Encourage Regional and Social Equity: Government policies should ensure equitable funding and resource allocation for state and regional universities to bridge the gap between them and elite institutions.
  For example: The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) provides financial aid to state universities for improving infrastructure.
• Promote Interdisciplinary Research: Institutions should focus on interdisciplinary research that spans both STEM and social sciences, ensuring balanced growth across disciplines.
  For example: IIT Guwahati has introduced new programs combining engineering and liberal arts, creating a model for interdisciplinary education.
• Strengthen Teaching and Mentoring: Institutions should implement strategies to balance research and teaching, recognizing the importance of faculty roles in both areas.
• Create Transparency in Rankings: Ensure transparency in the data submitted for rankings and establish independent auditing mechanisms to prevent data manipulation.
  For example: The QS World University Rankings have started incorporating student feedback and third-party audits to improve ranking integrity.

While global university rankings have raised the profile of Indian institutions, there are challenges to ensuring balanced development across teaching, research, and accessibility. A holistic approach is required to incorporate diversity, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining the rigour of research and fostering an inclusive higher education environment that serves the needs of all students and institutions.

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